Why upgrade
So, you have a Garmin 705? So do I and this was an absolute luxury purchase. Initially I swore I would not spend the money but I bought it after a friend bought his and I saw what was different.
The new features over the 705 are the temperature, the mount, the satellite images which can be downloaded onto the maps, and the ability to use SDHC cards for memory to have as many maps are satellite images as you want.
When you start it up it boots up and loads the maps far faster than my 705 by far. The screen is nice although I never had a problem with the 705. it is a nice thing to be able to swipe across to another screen rather than put the mode button on the side. Where the touch screen is really good though is navigating on the maps. You know when you are out on country road and you're not sure if you're on the right road. using the nipple to scroll across and zoom in and out is slow and tedious. Now, you zoom in and out and move across the map with ease and accuracy.
If you have a 305 go for it. If you have a 705 its a luxury but there are some nice features here.
Now Garmin just need to have better analysis software, as good as Polar's and they would be fantastic, and hard to criticise.
14 December 2010

Easy to use
Great gadget, setting up is quick and easy. Can be used for all purposes training to touring.Ant+ great for power meter.
30 June 2014

This product has great features and stores all the data from your rides. You can customise the screen display at any one time to show you the figures important to you for your training. Compatible with a power tap for training with power.
10 June 2014

Excellent piece of kit
I needed to replace my Edge 500 after 4 years of good service, and after a brief and unhappy experience with a malfunctioning 810 replaced with an 800. This is a very happy experience so far. It is reliable, accurate and provides loads of data to inform your riding both during and after. I found it easy to set up and also more user friendly than I had expected ( helped by the superb ScarletFire website ). It is an excellent piece of kit. Also, a word for the Wiggle Returns service as never needed it before problems with my 810 - slick, professional and efficient, thank you.
06 June 2014

Reliable turn-by-turn
Using Strava's route builder I've made courses to follow on this device and got accurate turn-by-turn instructions just like a car satnav.
Done a couple of 60 miles routes and only had the occasional silly instruction to come off the road and take a footpath. It struggles a bit at big roundabouts with the written message saying "1st Exit" when it's clearly 2nd, but I've learnt to ignore the text and just follow the arrows and the purple line which is your route superimposed on the map, they are always correct.
Can't comment on Power or HRM as I don't use them, but cadence/speed GCS10 works flawlessly.
Save your £€$ for mapping and download OSM for free and install on your microSD card, instructions on Youtube. Works perfectly, and they're more upto date than Garmin Navigator expensive maps (which should be free really on a GPS device but there you go).
I bought the latest 810 model before this one and had nothing but problems with it. Wiggle returns were superb, cost me nothing and I had the 800 replacement within a week. Well done Wiggle, spot on when it comes to customer service and communications.
From what I've learnt the best route data format seems to be TCX rather than GPX, both of which Strava or RWGPS will export. TCX also gives you a written list of cue sheet instructions and you can add custom ones not to do with turns, like "cafe stop here". I've found Strava routes don't come through with elevation data, so when you're climbing you can't see where you are on the gradient. This is a pretty useful feature so I've found a work around is to import the data to GPSies.com first and export from there with "add elevation" ticked. Then it works perfectly on the 800.
05 June 2014

Great computer at a great price
Love this unit. Had an Edge 200 before this, which I loved, but this takes riding to a whole new level. Much bigger screen (and touch screen), navigation, elevation display and much more. With the Edge 1000 just out and the 810 out for the while the price for the 800 is now good value. Dump the maps that come with it and use openstreetmaps and it's a great unit. Never leave home on a long ride without it now.
31 May 2014

fabulous but flawed
Great functions. Maps not brilliant but ok. But the big issue with Garmins is connectivity. People report all sorts of issues with their laptops not recognising or finding the device and I've had the same. At first, it was just erratic. Then encountered maddening advice to upgrade the garmin software by downloading the latest to the laptop - but your laptop can't talk to your garmin. After two years mine finally failed altogether (and no it was not the cable) and I could no longer download any performance data, or upload routes etc. Note that repairs out of warranty are expensive. Garmin know all this, it's often on the forums, but I see the new 810 also reporting connectivity issues.
31 May 2014

Does everything I need it to...
I purchased this product for training and longer, touring type rides.
It has proved an excellent training aid allowing me to gauge my effort via the live stats and also upload completed rides to Garmin Connect (very easy to use).
It has also ticked all the boxes for touring. I was getting fed up of map reading on longer rides (and even carrying the map) and wanted my rides to be more about enjoying the route and scenery rather concentrating on directions.
Routes are very easily created in Garmin Connect. They upload to the device instantly and are easy to follow on the device, even with out turn instructions.
I will recommend this product to my friends, however I think the pricing is still quite steep. Map and accessory bundles should be cheaper.
27 May 2014

A little pricey but it does the job
I have used this on several trips over the last couple of weeks with no problems so far. The lack of glonass capability may affect the accuracy a bit, but hey we're only going for a bike ride.
22 May 2014

the use of it is too complicated
from unpacking to utilization you need to go through university studies, need to have a lot of friends who help you etc
it uses up so much of your time you don't find any to train on your bike.
it is not a product made by bikers for bikers
05 April 2014

Great device, but could do with extra features
I was initially a bit disappointed to see that you couldn't plan the route using the device, a la iphone, but then on using the Garmin route planner quickly realised that the concept of creating the route online and then uploading to the device is much better. (Some more experienced reviewers will probably tell me that this is normal)
Found the interface a bit clunky to begin with, and the instructions are a bit thin on the ground. I think for someone who is used to using a smartphone every day this seems a bit basic. Once i'd had a look at the instructions though online I started to get the hang of it.
Some key features I would like to see on future devices:
- Auto zoom in and out when you get to junctions - it's not always obvious where you should turns
- It should show more than just the road you are on, this is really frustrating especially at fiddly points on the trip where you need to see what the roads are around so that you can make the right turn. I found I often went off in what I thought was the right direction only to find there was a subtle left turn that I had missed because it wasn't clearly marked.
- Easier to plan a route directly from a device.
Otherwise I found actually having a gps (i am a first time user) to navigate made my ride a lot more enjoyable, and saved me having to dig out my map/phone every 5 minutes.
23 September 2013

Nothing basic about this product!
Having read a number of reviews about the so called pros and cons I decided to opt for the cheaper option of a basic model ie no bundle led maps etc. Took some online advice about downloading open source maps and boy have I ended up with an excellent product. The unit itself is nicely made and attachment to the bike is very quick. The unit itself comes with limited instructions but there are numerous online help guides which will get you set up and out on the road in no time. My only concern would be the design of the covers over the USB port and microSD card which in my opinion will not stop water penetration or condensation. My advice would be let the unit dry out before plugging in to your pc to protect the contact points from corrosion. Having not long had the unit I cannot say too much about it's performance over time. The good thing is in less time it has taken me to write this review I have created and downloaded a route so I'm hitting the road!
14 September 2013

happy with purchase. its true there are no instructions but you tube has great guidance videos
12 September 2013

Not all they're cracked up to be.
For this money, I expected better.
Lots of good features, very customizable, easy to add opensource maps, lightweight, good data-link with Garmin connect etc.
On the downside: Screen isn't that responsive to touch. Prompts on courses are often late (what's the point once you've passed the turning?!) and GPS tracking is decent, but not flawless. Pretty useless as a speed sensor too, without the additional ("That's another £40 please customer) speed/cadence sensor, as the GPS gets confused by the smallest of trees.
Maybe I'm nit-picking, but for £300 or so it should perform better.
08 September 2013

good but expensive
After purchasing this product in it's standard spec I found the detail of the maps not enough for me, and had to download the map upgrade for additional cost. However once that was done the gps device is a great tool. I am discovering new roads and courses all the time and it really helps you explore our great countryside with ease and no worries.
No more need to take a bulky map with you maps or remember a course off by heart, the edge 800 will take you there.
The device also records all your data, speed, distance traveled, height gained etc...
You can download other peoples routes or plan your own as you see fir via the Garmin software. Very decent tool, just a tad on the expensive side.
23 July 2013

Garmin Edge 800
Upgraded from the 500, much better features & such an easy screen to read and navigate through.
09 July 2013

great for serious cyclists
if you're gonna be cycling for long distances and to places of unknown roads you gotta have this. its accurate and clear in terms of routes plus it does all the usual cycling measurements of speed, time etc etc. battery life is abt 15 hours but dont have the display to the max tho.
20 June 2013

No Sense of Direction? Look no Further!
I recently upgraded to the 800 from the 500 device!
Wow what a difference. If you have no sense of direction like me and you thought you could get by with the bread crumb trail on the 500 you will probably find it isnt enough at some point... As your rides get bigger and bigger the bread crumb just isnt accurate enough!
However the 800 with full map functionality is phenomenal. I wonder why i didnt just get this in the first place! Well worth the extra investment.
Yes its pricey but you really do get what you pay for with this little device.
05 June 2013

This has changed my riding experience
I was apprehensive about spending this amount of money but the Garmin 800 has changed my whole cycling experience. I can now ride 100 mile routes fully guided, without messing with paper printouts, google-maps on my phone and stopping at every intersection. Can just ride.
The instructions are useless. Buy this thing, google "talkytoaster" and "Scarletfire" and you are set.
02 June 2013

This product is not weatherproof
An outdoor precision product needs to be pretty robust to cope with the elements. The Garmin 800 fails this basic test.
This is the second cycling Garmin I have bought (first was the Edge 305) and both times it has taken on moisture just after the expiry of the warranty period. Both are now completely lifeless.
Wont be buying another Garmin product
02 June 2013

Great buy
Great unit. Managed to work everything out on first ride without reference to a manual. Great Garmin product! Received the unit in less than 10 days.
28 May 2013

Could be amazing, isn't.
I've now owned my garmin edge 800 for getting on for 2 years. maybe more. There are few products I've bought in my lifetime that I've spent as much money on, that have given me so many headaches.
Starting at the beginning you open the box and find the device, and my doesn't it look handsome. You should most likely take some time to enjoy this moment, since from here on in this is the most happy you will be with the device for a long time.
You'll also find the 'quick start' guide, and possibly the full user guide. You are strongly advised to take both of these and set fire to them. This way they will at least keep you warm for a short time, which will be of more benefit to you than actually trying to use them. I've spoken to a number of garmin users over the time I've owned one, and I'm far from alone here. I'm yet to find anyone who has actually benefited from the manuals.
You now boot the device up, and quickly learn that the device contains the most basic mapping possible. Some of you will have bought the package with maps - probably for the best, those of us that didn't - you get a map that basically contains motorways and not much else. In short, you have basically just purchased a very expensive speedometer. You'll need to now buy garmin maps to make it do something worth the price tag, OR get some free mapping from the web if you're not interested in turn by turn instructions. #NOTE, if you do want turn by turn instructions - so far as I know, they only work with garmin maps#.
I could now go on and on about the issues and problems I've had down the line. Rather than waste everyone's time though, they basically fall into the same category. That basically it's as if garmin produced this thing, but did absolutely no testing on it before releasing it. I would go as far to say that this is a textbook example of a device with no significant competition.
take for example the autocalculate option for routing. If you have this on, and make a mistake #as we all do from time to time# - the garmin will recalculate the entire route. This is fine if it's navigating for you - however, if you've planned a course, it's really not. You end up with both the course you planned, and a new course that the garmin has calculated on the screen at the same time, and the device trying to take you it's way... which is of course incredibly confusing. How difficult would it be to just have different default settings for both courses, and navigation? Probably not very - and this would have been very quickly picked up in routine testing. Yet, it wasn't.
When you do finally work out how the device works, ie - you learn through incredible frustration to make sure the settings are right, for each type of activity before setting out - then you find that it's actually an OK piece of kit. It doesn't help that the settings are layed out in a bit of an odd fashion - again, did they test this product... but you get there eventually. Believe me though, if I could go back, and there was another product on the market - I would probably buy it instead.
28 May 2013

Excellent product for exploring new territory
Excellent product.
Bought to help navigate new routes.
I travel quite a bit and being able to map routes before I travel is a real bonus.
Works well with routes downloaded from Map my rides.
Can design a route, distance with various grades of hills/climbing, scenery, roads etc and download it to computer easily for navigation.
One of my favorite features is to not bother with the hassle of downloading a route and instead just save my location and just follow my nose. When you feel like turning back the device will tell you how far you are from your location and guide you home via the shortest route. You can also check the distance you are from your desired location whilst riding, so if lost you will know how far you are from any of your selected locations.
Other nice features are altitude, total climbing and in particular grade of hill. I find this very useful for preparation for hilly events
Temperature is also nice to know.
On the down side - very little in this case, I found the following:
Screen size a bit on the small side for my tastes
The graphics are a little basic, but adequate.
A bluetooth option to upload activities and download routes would be beneficial. (This may be in the Edge 810).
If I had a waterproof phone, I could get an app to do the same for a fraction of the price - this could be the next great development in smartphones for cyclists - unfortunately living in Northern Europe this is not an option yet
Lastly, Garmin software is good, but not on a par with Strava or Map my rides - wouldn't take a lot though
In my view pretty much the best all round bike computer out there. Not enough in the 810 for me to upgrade.
05 May 2013

Great Device
The best GPS device I have ever had. Easy to use with more data than you could possibly ever need. The maps are great for going on long rides where you don't know the roads.
04 May 2013

Excellent bit of kit
This really is a game changer for training and navigating, I wish these were about years ago.
Buy one you will not regret it.
04 May 2013

Great product
upgraded from the 305 so did not need to purchase the cadence or heart monitor. Just had to purchasee the city maps which was not that expenseive but probably should have been included considering the price paid. Other than that great device nice to be able to ride and just put in a post code and let the device show you the way....excellant wish I had upgraded sooner.
03 May 2013

Great bit of kit
Bought this for my future husband, he thinks it is an awesome edition to his cycling, all the systems work well on it , he is still working his way through them as there is so much but very happy with it so far, thoroughly recommended.
01 May 2013

Smaller, more freatures
I had enjoyed my Edge 705 and was expecting the 800 would be just as good. The Touch screen feature appealed I was not disappointed. Easy operation, nice feature enhancements and all in a smaller package.
Now the down side. Display not as crisp, more features means more complicated and not able to wirelessly transfer courses from my old unit to the new.
13 March 2013

Edge 800 review.
I bought this GPS as I'm planning to cycle across France and continue in just over a month from now. I didn't want to be wasting time with maps and getting lost and so I wanted a sure-fire solution to navigation.
I wasn't too fussed about the cycling computer stats it offers, but was glad to have them.
The only bad thing I've picked up on thus far, is that it doesn't come with the proper maps you need to get navigating or an SD card, which is a bit cheeky given the price of the unit.
Also setting it up is quite unclear, as you are mostly left in the dark, searching Google to help you and and give you some confidence.
However, once set up, it does exactly as it promises and more, showing you calories burnt, mph, and miles covered with extra features available with added accessories.
Being out on the road, it is like having a companion with you guiding you around and helping you out.
Also the feeling of being able to freely navigate wherever you like in your country is priceless and something I hope to get more use out of soon...
08 March 2013

This product has great features
I've based my review on my first week of use, while it has worked well, I am still in a learning curve.The only thing I miss is a wireless data transfer.Maps expensive
03 March 2013

Answers

Top 1000 Contributor

Answer:

You don't need any extras because the Garmin gets its speed and distance readings from satellite GPS data. You might consider getting a little extension bracket to hold the Garmin in front of the stem if you don't want to clutter up your handlebars. You can download maps from a number of websites - just do a few Google searches.

As this is a GPS computer you will not need any extra devices to see your speed and distance measurements. This unit does have the option to upgrade the mapping at a later date so should be ideal for you.

Answers

Top 500 Contributor

Answer:

The navigation bundle has the Garmin maps plus the Garmin Edge 800. Maps can be quite expensive (e.g. Australia & NZ topographic maps) so only buy the navigation bundle if the maps are for the area you cycle in and only if you plan to use the maps for navigation. You do not need maps loaded to use the Garmin Edge 800 to record your speed, time, elevation, etc and keep a log of the route you have taken.The Edge 800 is the same in both.

I can confirm that the performance bundle includes the unit, the heart rate belt and the GSC-10 speed and cadence sensor. The navigation bundle comes with these products plus the European City Navigator mapping. I hope this helps.

Answers

Top 500 Contributor

Answer:

Edge 800/810 has a different mount. It is definitely worth getting the proper mount for the Edge 800. It works well - rock solid on the bike. You can buy after-market bike mounts too but they are 2-3 times the price.The Edge 800/810 is a true navigation device (if you don't need the maps then buy the cheaper model Edge 510) but the 910XT is primarily a data recorder.

Answers

Top 500 Contributor

Answer:

Plug it into any USB power source or just buy a cheap UK->Aus adaptor. If you upload data to your computer then just use that cable to recharge. There is nothing special about Garmin's USB power source.

Answers

Top 500 Contributor

Answer:

You should load the topographic maps if you want to ride offroad because the bridle paths will show but regardless of that, if you prepare a route in Garmin Connect and upload it to your Garmin Edge 800/810 then your current location on the map will be displayed whether there is a track/path or not.

I can confirm that you can save any routes you have done and either keep them on the unit or download them to your PC and you can put them back onto the unit for you to use again at a later date. I hope this helps.

I just dropped and broke my garmin 500. I think I will step up to the 800. I travel a lot around the world. With the 500 I could fly to China and upload to garmin connect, fly to the US and do the same, fly to Japan do the same etc.

I will buy maps, but what happens when I fly to a country that I don't have maps for? Am I just out of luck or can I use it like the 500? (meaning just turn it on and go, obviously without seeing any maps)

Answers

Top 1000 Contributor

Answer:

I used mine when waling on the Camino de Santiago to record distance walked each day. Since I had the Europe maps I was also able to locate myself in relation to towns so it was quite useful. At the end of the trip I had a record of all my walks.

Answers

Top 500 Contributor

Answer:

The Garmin 500 and 800 are similar except for the ability to load maps. The ANT (HR, speed, cadence) accessories are the same as is the mount.The maps are useful if you are planning routes in advance (for training or cycle touring) but for recording and reviewing data from your daily ride then there is no difference. The maps are hard to read on a small screen and when you need updated maps you need to buy the whole package again (expensive & unfair). If you want a sat nav then buy a big screen.

Yes to both of these questions..The fittings and accessories are the same for the 800 as they are for the 500.The 800 has a Sat Nav type of capability and I have used it traveling in the past. Look for OpenSourceMaps to get world maps to use.

I do not see why not but an expensive product for that use. We have used it on the cycles mainly but have used it for walking and even in the car. It has a lock mode so that should help when running. We found it very accurate when walking when footpaths suddenly vanish. Not sure about all the functions for running but should be able to use calories and others.

The Garmin edge is primarily designed as a training and navigation aid for cyclists with specific features for that activity. You can of course use off the bike but it hasn't any specific features for runners. The Garmin 910xt may well be a better option if you want a unit for both running and riding. http://www.wiggle.co.uk/garmin-forerunner-910xt-gps-sports-watch-with-hrm/

Answers

Top 500 Contributor

Answer:

The maps it does come with are so basic as to be basically useless. I think they're only for the UK - but even if they were for Australia, you'd need to buy maps. I think there are free options - have a look around on yon tinterwebs.

note also, the memory card that comes with it is NOT sufficient in memory space for maps - you will also need a micro sd card. if you buy from Garmin though, the maps will come on an SD card, which you just insert - nice and easy.

I am trying to work out which map package to buy with the Garmin Edge 800. The OS bundle seems like better value, but I am unclear whether you can also use it for road riding, or if I would need another map package for that?

I am a regular road cyclist and keen for the stats these look to produce if I get the package with HRM and cadence, however, I also want to use it for riding some bigger tours across UK (Cardiff to Conwy, LEJOG), does the basemap have enough detail to do this?I'm also a regular MTBr and wondered is the base map going to do it for me or can I get a bundle to do all the roadie stuff and then by a 1:50k map afterwards?It might just be me but Garmin products/bundles seem very confusing!

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Answer:

The base map is rubbish. It literally shows A roads and major towns. Have a look on line for open source maps. They are free, accurate and are updated regulary. www.ridewithgps.com is a great site for info on free mapping.

Nice website! Can you please advise me if the Black & White Garmin Edge 800 you have listed for around $435 is available in Black & Blue for the same price as the B&W? I ask as I have worked out it is best for me to purchase a unit without the bundle/maps, they can be obtained later. Can you advise what items especially from Garmin can be used to measure wattage??? I am curious & would like to persue this option, as I already have a HRM & Cadence Sensor from Garmin.

Answers

Answer:

We only stock the Edge 800 singly in Black/White, the blue colour comes with the bundles. Garmin do not currently produce a power meter for wattage measurement. You will need to use a third party ANT+ compatible power meter such as a PowerTap hub, SRAM Quarc power meter crank set or similar.

Answers

Answer:

I don't think you will be able to upload from cyclestreets. If it were me, log onto www.ridewithgps.com. Plan your route here and synch with your Garmin. It will give turn by turn instructions. As for the mapping, the base map is rubbish. It will major roads and towns only. Look for free open source maps on ridewithgps.

the basic maps are basically useless. they have some very big roads, and nothing else. have a look at open street map, you can download maps there - you will need a micro SD card though, there wont be space on the internal memory for them.

If you have the route in tcx format, you can upload it to training center and from there to the 800. If you just have the waypoints on paper, then use bikeroutetoaster.com to convert those to a tcx file, and then do the same.

The base maps on the device are basically just land mass and don't include any real detail for navigation. You would need to either purchase a map disc separately or purchase the Garmin 800 with navigation maps. These maps would include the road mapping so you can navigate turn by turn. You can upload routes from map sites, there are various formats supported so I would recommend contacting Garmin or searching their support pages for information on where is best to get these route files.